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LETTERS – SEPTEMBER 2015

The Iran Deal

I was rather disappointed by the article about the Iran deal that appeared in last month’s issue (“Misdeal? The Global Jewish Community’s Response to the Nuclear Agreement with Iran”). Although it was informative and well-written, I felt the article should have come out with a much stronger stance against the deal. I understand that it is important to hear both sides, but this deal is clearly terrible and dangerous. If this agreement does not get overturned by Congress, it will go down as the biggest mistake of all time – not only in regards to Israel, but for the entire world. For the people that are still unsure if the deal is good or bad for Israel, all I have to say to them is the following: Al Sharpton has recently come out in favor of the Iran deal. Now, if that is not enough to convince you how bad this deal is, then nothing will. Enough said.

Morris S.

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I’m probably in the minority on this issue, but I think that the Iran deal is good for the United States, as well as for Israel. President Obama has certainly made his share of mistakes in the Middle East, but behind his drive for an Iranian nuclear deal is the effort to make American foreign policy solvent again. That means recognizing that the United States cannot bludgeon Iran into total submission, either economically or militarily. The U.S. tried that in Iraq and the outcome was disastrous. Sure, this is far from a “perfect” deal, but it does ‘buy’ some peace for the time being, and at the same time, it allows Israel enough time to strategize on how to defend itself against Iran, and if necessary, destroy them.

Nat H.

Digital Classrooms

I enjoyed reading the article titled, “What can we expect from the Digital Classroom?” in the August issue. Although there are numerous advantages of having E-books, tablets, and computers in the classrooms, there are some pitfalls to be concerned about, too (as mentioned in the article). One area of concern that was not addressed in the article is the effect technology has on a child’s imagination. Early exposure to computers can hinder creativity by substituting images and ideas from outside for the images and ideas that children might develop on their own. For example, when instructed to draw a picture of a “monster,” children who learn in digital classrooms tend to have difficulty using their imagination, because they tend to repeat cultural icons. While this may not seem like a big deal when compared to some of the advantages that the digital classroom has to offer, I believe it is enough of a reason not to use these types of devices in the classroom. It will probably be years before we really start to comprehend the impact of the drawbacks of bringing the latest technology into our schools.

Karen C.

Bullying

The article in last month’s issue on bullying (“Bullying: Are We Really Solving the Problem?”) covered many points, but it came across as belittling the issue and failing to stick up for the victims. Bullying should no longer be thought of as a harmless rite of passage within the realm of normal childhood interactions. Bullying is now recognized for what it really is – a harmful epidemic. The ramifications of bullying are far reaching and can have an adverse effect on the victims throughout their adult life. Everybody needs love, attention, acceptance, and respect.

R. Boujo

Business – Not as Usual

Last month’s article on weird and unconventional successful business ventures was very cute and, in a way, inspirational for creative entrepreneurs like myself. Reading about the wacky types of business ideas that have made people into millionaires gives me hope that one day, b”H, I too, can become an owner of a successful company. Thanks!